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KAMAN |
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| USA |
Formed in 1945 by Charles H. Kaman as Kaman Aircraft Corporation to develop a special servo-flap control system for helicopter rotors and "synchropter'lntermeshing twinrotor system, with aim of eliminating anti-torque tail rotor. K-125A built in 1947; K-190 in 1948; K-225 built in small numbers as YH-22 from 1949. HOK-1 delivered in quantity to U.S. Navy and Marines during 1950s; HTK-1 to Navy as trainer/ambulance, and also adopted as remote-controlled drone. By late 1960s well over 200 H-43 Huskie turbine-powered rescue helicopters were serving with the USAF. H-2 Seasprite naval rescue and utility helicopter first flown July 1959, retaining servo-flap system, though on a conventional main rotor. Seasprite developed in many versions, early production models using a single turboshaft engine and later models with twin turboshafts; experiments included stub wings serving as sponsons and gunship version with Minigun chin turret among other weapons. In the late 1960s much subcontracting undertaken, together with development of Rotorchute and allied devices. Became Kaman Group in 1965 with extended activities, with Aerospace subsidiary subsequently taking the present name Kaman Aerospace Corporation as part of Kaman Group. Current programs include producing upgraded SH-2Fs as SH-2G Super Seasprites for antisubmarine/ anti-shipping, over-the-horizon targeting, SAR, mine countermeasures, vertrep and other roles, for delivery to Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, Egypt, and U.S. Navy Reserve; production of K-MAX "Aerial Truck" single-seat, turboshaft-powered and twin intermeshing rotor external-lift helicopter (first flown December 1991); and subcontract work on Boeing airliners and for various military aircraft including AH-1, C-17, Comanche, F-22, and V-22.
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 All the World's Rotorcraft |
